Origins of The Salvation Army in Southern Africa

The ship, Warwick Castle, docked in the Cape on 24 February 1883 with three passengers possessed by a love for God and a passion for lost souls.  Wearing sashes reading ‘Africa for Jesus’! Majors Francis and Rose Simmonds, accompanied by Lieutenant Alice Teager, arrived to commence the work of The Salvation Army in South Africa.  Contemplating the ministry ahead, Mrs Major Rose Simmonds wrote, ‘We must have more of the Divine Power!’ Within two months records show around 300 people came to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour!  It was indeed God’s divine power and grace that has brought The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory on this remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the place where it stands today. 

Within two months records show around 300 people came to know Jesus

As The Salvation Army established a presence, it encountered numerous challenges. The organization faced scepticism from both the authorities and the local population. Yet, undeterred by these obstacles, the Salvation Army persevered. Despite hardship, persecution and the efforts of the ‘Skeleton Army’ who were paid opposition that sought to discredit and discourage the work of The Salvation Army with the support of local law enforcement, the love of God through the lives of these faithful officers could not be contained or thwarted.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, compelled by the love of God and determined to see ‘Africa for Jesus’, these pioneers soldiered and Dr Andrew Murray described their work by saying: ‘The Salvation Army in South Africa is like Samson’s foxes … they have not only brought salvation to the lowest, but they have set churches on fire.’  This was further evidenced as 162 people got saved within two weeks of Claremont Corps opening! All were equal at the foot of the cross as both indigenous people and foreigners knelt side by side, accepting the grace of God freely given for the whosoever!  By the end of March 1884, The Salvation Army in South Africa consisted of 10 Officers and 6 Corps. 

All were equal at the foot of the cross

The Founder of The Salvation Army, General William Booth, had published a formulated plan intent on guiding Officers in evangelism and community transformation when moving into a new area.  General Booth’s strategy included “how to attack, capture and hold towns”  seeking to expand the Kingdom of God in a new village, town or district.  These writings would eventually become the backbone of the Orders and Regulations for Officers that continue to guide Officers in their ministry.   Orders and Regulations for Officers published in 1960 declared: “It has from the beginning been the boast of the Army that the open air is its cathedral. Many of the Army’s choicest victories have been won out of doors, and much of its fascination for the public is due to the courageous manner in which it has ever worked in streets, squares and market-places.”  It would be open air ministry that fuelled much of the growth that was to come.

The work rapidly spread from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape as Major Simmonds travelled to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and the work commenced on 7February 1884.  Three Officers started the work in Port Elizabeth and conducted meetings that drew crowds.  In the first week of operation, 36 seekers were recorded and history remembers the first converts in Port Elizabeth as drunkards saved by grace.  The work continued to grow and expand as salvation was preached far and wide. In 1887 The Salvation Army led a Conqueror cavalry wagon to King Williams Town with the intention to commence work among the Xhosa people.  In February 1897 the first Xhosa Corps was opened in Grahamstown (Makhanda) alongside a day school for the children in the community.

In the span of just three years … 21 Corps and 46 Officers were actively engaged in waging war against sin and darkness.

On 22 June 1885 Mrs Major Simmonds (with two small children, one only three weeks old) accompanied by two very young Lieutenants arrived in Kwa Zulu Natal.  Raising money through a lecture regarding the work of The Salvation Army, the group of three Officers collected enough money to commence the work in Pietermaritzburg and just a month later the work started in Durban.  In the span of just three years, Majors Simmonds had established 21 Corps and 46 Officers were actively engaged in waging war against sin and darkness.  By June 1887 much growth had taken place with 50 Corps instituted and 150 Officers engaged and 30 Candidates ready to commence work.

The discovery of gold in 1886 in the area previously known as the Transvaal (current day Johannesburg) saw mining camps and multitudes of tents raised almost overnight.  The Salvation Army saw this gathering of people as ripe soil for seeds of the Gospel to be sown through open air ministry. The ministry that took place among the miners eventually resulted in the formation of Johannesburg City Corps.

“I am willing!”

In 1888 the work specifically geared to evangelising the Zulu people commenced in earnest with the initial meeting being held on a farm in Greytown with Chief Ntshibonga recorded as the first convert.  The conversion of King Dinizulu through the work of The Salvation Army while exiled on the island of St Helena would be used mightily by the Lord to further the work of The Salvation Army in Kwa Zulu Natal.  On 22 November 1891 Allister Smith and four Salvation Army volunteers arrived at the Amatikulu River in Kwa Zulu Natal. During evangelistic meetings the question was asked: ‘Are there any here who will give themselves today to this God who gave His only Son to die for us?’ Immediately, a young Zulu warrior stood to his feet and declared, ‘I am willing!’ and promptly gave his life to the Lord.   The name of this dedicated young man was Mbambo Matunjwa who became an Officer in The Salvation Army and is remembered for leading hundreds of people to Christ.

The ministry of The Salvation Army continued to spread far and wide and operations in Mpumalanga commenced in the area of Barberton on 20 March 1887.  The 29 July 1893 edition of the War Cry reported the ministry of Lieutenant Kernick in Barberton as follows: “One lone officer pioneered the way, and amidst the rows of wattle and daub, raw brick and galvanised iron huts and calico tents, mounted a buckwagon and began to tell what great things God had done for him.  A huge crowd surged around him, for it was soon noised abroad that a ‘Salvation Captain’ was in the camp.” Soon after The Salvation Army opened fire in Barberton, the need for prison work was identified, and prison ministry commenced.  It was through this dedicated and consistent work with inmates that many prisoners got saved, their lives transformed, and they became meaningful contributors to society.  No other Church at this point was engaged in prison ministry, and as such The Salvation Army was the first to start this form of ministry!

The Salvation Army was the first to start this form of ministry!

The Salvation Army in South Africa has a rich heritage.  Every accomplishment and victory is a testimony to the goodness of God and is because of the grace of God at work in the lives of Salvationists.  Today, The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory has 249 places of worship, operates 23 social institutions, 5 hospitals, 2 clinics, 3 schools and 7 Goodwill Centres.  314 Officers minister to over 17000 Salvationists and adherents, and 6 cadets are in training.  The Territory’s borders extend beyond South Africa to include Lesotho, eSwatini, Namibia and the Island of St Helena.

That is up to us…

The Salvation Army’s work in South Africa over the past century and a half has left an indelible mark on many communities throughout the nation. By the grace of God, countless lives have been uplifted, hope has been restored where it was lost and there are untold lives and families which have been transformed. Today, our Corps, Centres, schools, and healthcare facilities continue to serve as beacons of hope, compassion and support as the Gospel is not only preached but lived out in community.  What will The Salvation Army in South Africa look like in the next 140 years … that is up to us … as Salvationists take up the call to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.

Content credit to the writings of Colonel (Dr) Brian Tuck in Salvation Safari and The History of The Salvation Army in South Africa 1883-1933.